Pines Event Boasts Fire, Police Units

Families See Mock Rescue, Vehicles

PEMBROKE PINES — Once a year for 11 years, the city's police and fire departments have opened their doors to the public to showcase what they have to offer the community.

This month, about 4,000 people showed their interest in their public safety departments by attending the open house event at police headquarters.

"This is a good opportunity for the community to see the resources the Police Department has," said Chief Dan Giustino. "It's informational, educational and recreational."

Judging by the number of children at the bounce houses, police cars, fire engines, an Army Humvee and a climbing tower, recreation was the main focus for the day.

"It's fun because of all the bounce houses," said Christopher Molina, 8, of Pembroke Pines. "I like the police because they catch the bad guys ... and throw them in jail and make them learn their lesson."

Children lined up for cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones and to try on a SWAT vest and helmet weighing 60 pounds. Other youngsters danced with Officer Clarence Wilson on a portable stage.

The crowd was treated to an extraction demonstration by the fire-rescue team, which has participated in competitions in which it rescues a person from an overturned vehicle. During the demonstration, it took only 14 minutes for the team to extract a dummy from a crashed, overturned car.

The team's members were met with applause when they put the rescued dummy on the stretcher, something they would be unlikely to hear after a real rescue.

"We get tremendous positive feedback from the community," Giustino said. "This is one of the best things we have over the year."